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Russia Protects Its Ancient Forests

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Images

Russia’s forests are the largest in the world. Stretching from the Baltic to the Sea of
Japan, they encompass the last wild forests of Europe, make up the vast wilderness
of Siberia, and provide habitat for the highly endangered Siberian tiger.

In recent decades, road-building, logging, and wildfires have increasingly degraded
these ancient and previously largely intact forests. To protect some particularly
valuable forests, the Russian government used data provided by Global Forest Watch
Russia, a partnership between WRI and several Russian forest conservation groups.

Dr. Lars Laestadius leads WRI’s work in Russia. “The Russian government’s
attitude toward non-governmental organizations is very cautious, but, at the same
time, it realizes they have unique biodiversity data and maps on the country’s
forests. Using satellite imagery and field visits, the Global Forest Watch Russia
network mapped conservation values in Russia’s forests and made the results
publicly available.”

These maps influenced the Russian government as it prioritized new areas for
protection and drew the boundaries of three new national parks. Similarly, the
forest-rich Republic of Karelia bordering Finland relied on Global Forest Watch
Russia maps and data for its new forest plan, which outlines thirteen new
protected areas and identifies future areas for protection.